An unnamed millionaire traveled to Australia two years ago and visited the people who run the Wombat Awareness Organisation in Mannum, Australia. Upon his death, he bequeathed the project eight million dollars! Director Brigitte Stevens was in shock when she was notified.

The millionaire, who worked in the horse-racing industry, was captivated by the volunteers' tireless efforts to save what may be becoming an endangered icon.

Ms Stevens - who works to help pay bills, including last year's $70,000 vet fees - wants to buy two properties in the Murraylands and run a 24-hour free vet advice phone clinic.

However, with the bequest being delivered over eight years, and the first $1 million instalment due only next year, she says they still need money.

If I were advising here, I would tell her to use the money to pay off debts and invest whatever is left over. If she uses the money to expand operations and open new facilities, the money will be gone before she knows it and she'll end up in more debt than she had before. It's a classic mistake that a lot of lottery winners make.